Did the fall of Jericho happen?

Answer 1

AnswerThere is proof that the walls of Jericho fell, several times over a period of several thousand years. Sometimes the city was abandoned but then re-established; sometimes the walls were quickly rebuilt on top of the old ruins. The last time the walls of Jericho fell in pre-Israelite times, was approximately 1550 BCE, much too early for the Israelite conquest, and there is no evidence of any fierce battle associated with the destruction. If the Israelites had really come by, any time between 1400 and 1200 BCE, they might have found a small, unwalled village, but no city and no walls.

When archaeologists found no trace of the Late Bronze Age at Jericho, some biblical scholars claimed that biblical Jericho was not there but somewhere else. When the archaeological survey failed to find traces of the Late Bronze at Ai, Arad, or at Kadesh Barnea, the same was claimed. Those who deny the archaeological evidence of Jericho and the various other sites associated in The Bible with the conquest of Canaan, are still looking for even one city the walls of which fell at just the right time.

Answer 2

I see no reason to doubt that thousands of years ago, the tribes of Israel did conquer other tribes in the region currently known variously as Israel, or Palestine, or the Holy Land. Although detailed accounts of this conquest exist in the bible, I do not repose my confidence in the accuracy of the details. Victors write the accounts of their victories in a manner which suits their political purposes. Archaeological research tells us something, but it only goes so far. There are many historical details that we will never be able to verify. Of course, those who have faith, do not require verification.

Answer 3

3000 ish years ago